It's hard to believe, but the solar-powered <a href="http://www.odbc-paris.com/EN-22-project-83-Saint_Gobain_Research_Center_Aubervilliers_France_Aubervilliers">DomoLab in France</a> used to be a dumpy old barn until <a href="http://encoreheureux.org/">Encore Heureux Architectes</a> converted the interior into a candy-cane-colored showcase of <a href="http://www.saint-gobain.fr/en">Saint-Gobain's</a> most cutting edge sustainable materials. The 19th century barn once had zero <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Insulation">insulation</a> and provided only bare shelter from the elements, but now the research center is completely airtight thanks to a series of passive and material interventions. It's bright and spacious and designed for total adaptability in order to accommodate the company's R&amp;D growth.

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DomoLab by Encore Heureux

Once a dumpy old barn, the DomoLab is now a paragon of sustainability

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DomoLab by Encore Heureux

Previously there was no insulation but now the building is totally airtight

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DomoLab by Encore Heureux

Superior insulation minimizes heat transfer

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DomoLab by Encore Heureux

The candy cane-colored interior is designed to inspire progress and warmth

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DomoLab by Encore Heureux

The three levels have been left fairly open so that the space can be adapted to future projects

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DomoLab by Encore Heureux

The igloo featured here tests lighting

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DomoLab by Encore Heureux

The building is filled with daylighting

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DomoLab by Encore Heureux

It is powered by a freestanding, waterproof photovoltaic system installed on the roof

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DomoLab by Encore Heureux

Many of the barn's original materials were left alone

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DomoLab by Encore Heureux

The building showcases Saint-Gobain's most cutting edge sustainability materials

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DomoLab by Encore Heureux

It's hard to believe, but the solar-powered DomoLab in France used to be a dumpy old barn until Encore Heureux Architectes converted the interior into a candy-cane-colored showcase of Saint-Gobain's most cutting edge sustainable materials. The 19th century barn once had zero insulation and provided only bare shelter from the elements, but now the research center is completely airtight thanks to a series of passive and material interventions. It's bright and spacious and designed for total adaptability in order to accommodate the company's R&D growth.